Discussion held tonight at University of Reading to discuss European elections - but Brexiteers aren't invited

A discussion is being held at the University of Reading so candidates for the upcoming European elections can be introduced - but all Brexit-supporting candidates have not been invited.

The event at the University's Whitkenights Campus in Reading, Berkshire, is being held by 'hard remain' campaign group Berkshire for Europe.

Candidates attending the event will be Catherine Bearder MEP (Liberal Democrat), Elise Benjamin (Green), Warren Morgan (Change UK) and John Howarth MEP (Labour).

The Berkshire for Europe group did not invite any representatives for the Conservative Party, The Brexit Party or the United Kingdom Independence Party.

'We're not really interested in Soft Brexit'

Asked why they failed to invite Brexit supporting candidates, Peter Leisupe, chairman of Berkshire for Europe, said: "It's designed specifically for remainers as an introduction for the remain candidates, that's the idea behind it.

"We are a hard remain group, we're not really interested in Soft Brexit, we're only having a hustings for remain candidates to introduce themselves to remain voters."

The inclusion of Labour MEP John Howarth could be seen as controversial, as the Labour Party has a non-committal stance on a second referendum and the possibility of remaining in the EU - which has led some voters to consider the other parties that have a full throated remain stance.

The Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Change UK have all staked out a solidly remain stance, campaigning to reverse Brexit.

However, Labour MEP John Howarth has pledged to fight for the UK to remain in the EU and supports a second referendum.

On Mr Howarth MEP's inclusion, Mr Leisupe said: "We're giving them the benefit of the doubt.

"Hopefully they may change their mind. Labour seems to be sitting on the fence.

"We've invited them to get some clarity on what Labour's position is."

Question Time

The discussion will be held at the Van Emden Theatre, in the Edith Morley Building of the University's Whiteknights Campus, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Monday, May 20,.

The discussion will be moderated in a 'Question Time' style panel.

The event is free, but all attendees need to register via Eventbrite .

The event has been 'called Who should represent Britain in Europe?' by the group, and should not be considered a hustings.

It is not a University of Reading sponsored event as the room was simply hired by Berkshire for Europe.

The university's student union has a policy of supporting the People's Vote Campaign.

In a vote, 356 students voted for motion (76.2 per cent) 91 students voted against the motion (19.4 per cent) and 20 students abstained.

A total of 467 students voted, out of a total of 17,000 students - that means only 2.7 per cent of students chose to vote.

A statement on the university's website to coincide with the failed 'Brexit' Day' deadline on Friday, March 29, said: "Although we are facing an uncertain time ahead, the University of Reading wishes to make clear that its commitment to Europe has not, and will not, change.

"We remain a global institution and are fully committed to our staff and students no matter where they are from. Our teaching and research is powered by international academic talent and partnerships and benefits the UK, Europe and beyond. We are proud to welcome a diverse range of students from across the world.

"Remaining a strong institution internationally will benefit Reading, Wokingham and the wider Thames Valley area. We exist for our community, and our links with Europe feed into what we do.

"It is therefore vital that our outlook on Europe and the rest of the world remains unchanged regardless of what is agreed around the UK’s exit from the EU."

The EU vote will take place on Thursday, May 23.